Academics

The Graduate School of Nursing offers academic programs in masters, post-masters and doctoral degrees, preparing students, professionals and advanced practice nurses for faculty, research and other nursing leadership positions.

Our faculty are committed to student learning and actively practice in acute and community care settings and health care organizations.

The GSN is one of only three nursing schools in New England based at an academic health sciences center, sharing campus resources and facilities with its clinical partner and medical school, as well as the Office Graduate Medical Education (GME). Such proximity allows us to be at the forefront of interprofessional education.

Continuing Education

UMass GSN Continuing Education (CE) Courses are provided to allow students (non-matriculated students) the opportunity to take a course to further their professional and/or academic goals. Courses are available for the traditional learner on campus and for the non-traditional learner who seeks opportunities for online learning.

Faculty and Staff

The Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) educational program is delivered by a distinguished faculty whose educational approach promotes lifelong learning through partnerships and interprofessional collaboration in an academic health center environment. The faculty are dedicated to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to promote national distinction and innovation in professional and advanced nursing education, research and clinical service.

Students

Graduate nursing education builds on the liberal arts and sciences and major concentrations of undergraduate education. The GSN supports graduate students as they prepare for and transition into roles as advanced practice nurses, leaders, and scientists by providing them with programs of study that are organized for adult learners, and that meet national and state standards.

Alumni

As UMass Medical School alumni reflect on the value and excellence of their education, many show their gratitude by supporting the school through generous gifts to one of several funds. Alumni support is critical for enhancing the student experience, developing educational programs of national distinction and ultimately, providing exceptional health care.

Additional Resources

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program

Post Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health for NPs

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) post graduate certificate program is geared towards providing the already practicing NP the additional classroom and clinical experience needed to address the mental health needs of patients across the lifespan. Faculty at the Graduate School of Nursing bring to the classroom cutting-edge knowledge in the treatment of mental health conditions. The Graduate School of Nursing prides itself on its ongoing scholarship in the field of teaching and academics, providing the students with current technologically advanced and innovative interprofessional learning environments.

Our students will be prepared to diagnose and treat patients acute or chronic mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy to those coping with psychosocial stressors and/or those with addiction issues. Graduates of the certificate program will have additional knowledge and competency in assessing and diagnosing psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing psychotherapy and prescribing medications for patients of all age groups.

Our graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification examination. Upon graduation and certification our GSN Psychiatric Mental Health NPs will find themselves in high demand with their new expertise. Psychiatric Mental Health NP graduates, certified across the lifespan, will provide services in a variety of settings including outpatient and inpatient settings, step-down or residential programs as well as private outpatient practices.

Courses for Non-Matriculated Students

This course serves as an introduction to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illness across the lifespan. The etiology, course, and management of common psychiatric symptoms frequently encountered in primary and mental health care settings will be addressed. The student will access the most current clinical sources on assessment and diagnosis for psychiatric disorders using DSM-V diagnostic criteria, ICD coding, standardized guidelines and other mental health assessment tools. Confounding and supportive influences on mental health and illness will be analyzed including the availability of biopsychosocial resources and economic, legal/ethical, and policy related variables. Emphasis is placed on the assessment of common psychiatric conditions.Permission needed by Mechelle.Plasse@umassmed.eduThis course is offered online.

This course is designed to explore the major psychotherapeutic approaches to individual therapy and focuses on the legal and ethical issues and the therapeutic role of the advance practice psychiatric ¿mental health nurse in providing care to individuals with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Strategies for intervention will include development of therapeutic relationships, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, recovery-oriented philosophies, trauma-informed care, SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) CBT (cognitive- behavioral therapy), brief psychotherapy and use of complimentary modalities for individuals. Emphasis will be placed on health promotion, illness prevention, crisis care and follow-up strategies among diverse populations for persons receiving advanced psychiatric and mental health nursing care.Online Course. 1 credit

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